Aston Villa vs Parma Pre-Season Friendly

[kippaxvilla2]

What was today's attendance?

[Rudy65]

Still no Joe Cole. Bloody hell.

I hope he is on a pay per play deal

[silhillvilla]

Still no Joe Cole. Bloody hell.

I hope he is on a pay per play deal

Think he's on a pay no play deal.

[SoccerHQ]

Can't see us scoring next week or keeping a clean sheet.

[silhillvilla]

Can't see us scoring next week or keeping a clean sheet.

Can't see us scoring til October

[garyshawsknee]

If we are gonna play one up front I really can't think who it could be. It's obviously not Bent, but Gabby and Andi are so out of touch it's seems really grim for next week. Can't remember the last time I was down this much for the start of a season, even last season we had the good form of the one before to give us some moral. UTV....

[Fin Feds Dad]

Exactly how I feel too.

[Gareth]

Thought Senderos and Hutton were very decent at the back, Okore might need a while longer to recover full fitness.  Think we will be better at the back this year.

Grealish useful when on the ball.

Onto the negatives, we still seem to lack the ability to pass a ball in front of a team mate, slows the game down pointlessly. 

Movement of Gabby & Weimman was beyond abysmal, they are just statues!  I've personally had enough of us adapting our team to accommodate Gabby rather than him contributing, he is the ultimate comfort zone player...contract, nein!!!

Westwood is the big upgrade required before end of window for me - poor distribution, no physicality and still doesn't track runners.  Would lump whatever funds we have on one player to take favourite son Westwood's place.

[pauliewalnuts]

Thought Senderos and Hutton were very decent at the back, Okore might need a while longer to recover full fitness.  Think we will be better at the back this year.

Grealish useful when on the ball.

Onto the negatives, we still seem to lack the ability to pass a ball in front of a team mate, slows the game down pointlessly. 

Movement of Gabby & Weimman was beyond abysmal, they are just statues!  I've personally had enough of us adapting our team to accommodate Gabby rather than him contributing, he is the ultimate comfort zone player...contract, nein!!!

Westwood is the big upgrade required before end of window for me - poor distribution, no physicality and still doesn't track runners.  Would lump whatever funds we have on one player to take favourite son Westwood's place.

I agree with all that.

Weimann and Gabby were atrocious. I think I've had enough of watching Gabby loping around half-heartedly, not contributing anything. He just symbolises the mediocrity we've sunk into in recent years.

[silhillvilla]

Anyone know the attendance ?

[Louzie0]

Anyone know the attendance ?

This is going to be like, why didn't Barry take the penalty.

Guess 34,000

Sorry, 24,000.

14,000?

[Steve67]

The so called two players that Lambert wants can't come in quickly enough. Desperate for Benteke to get back too.

[Louzie0]

If not, the mascot could laugh them into submission.
Worked on Roy!

[john2710]

We look more solid, but I can't for the life of me see where our goals are going to come from.

[Matt Collins]

It will obviously make a huge difference once Kodak and Benteke are back - both to goal threat and building attacks.

But even in the best case scenario that they're both back in September we could be in a real pickle by then. I'd be stunned if we repeated last season's form against the best sides. We need to get some points on the board in August. 4 from those 3 games at least I think. I think our best bet looks to be playing pretty defensively against Stoke and Newcastle. I can't think of a line up that makes us look dangerous.

I'd still keep grealish on the bench for the first couple to come on and change it. We got a bit over excited about Delph all those years ago v fiorentina. But I'd give him half an hour in both games and then a start v hull.